phenology
/fɪˈnɒlədʒi/
Definition
The scientific study of recurring natural biological cycles and how they are influenced by seasonal and climate-related changes, such as the timing of plant ripening.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'phainesthai' (to appear or become visible) and 'logia' (study of). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the observation of cyclic natural phenomena.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the research field that monitors how climate change causes plants and animals to undergo their seasonal transitions earlier than in past decades. It highlights how tracking biological events like blueberry ripening helps scientists understand the broader impacts of a warming planet.
What one Mass. blueberry bush tells scientists about climate change
Read the full article ↗WBUR